[43]. [Loos’d Uproar &c.] The day of disafforesting presented an extraordinary scene of riot and disturbance, in consequence of the pursuit of the remaining deer by mobs from all parts.
[44]. [Repentant claimants &c.] It is believed that the freeholders now very generally regret the Inclosure.
[45]. [How far the foremost and the best,] Though formerly the yeomanry of this kingdom were every where trained to the use of the long-bow, and excelled all other nations in the art of shooting, it may be reasonably presumed that the best archers were to be found in and near the forests.
[46]. [You in your secret labyrinths &c.] Those scenes (forests in Somersetshire) will ever be famous in British history, while the remembrance continues of Alfred the Great. Frequent inundations of Danes and repeated losses had driven him from the management of affairs. But he retired before the enemies of his country only to attack them with more advantage. Seeing the time ripe for action he emerged from his retreat where he had been concealed, but not inactive during a twelvemonth; called his friends together in the forest of Selwood, which sheltered him and his numbers. Here arranging his followers, he burst from the forest like a torrent upon the Danes, and totally defeated them.—Gilpin’s Forest Scenery, Hume, &c.
[47]. [Your hush’d leaves &c.] Alfred on the night of his retirement from the Danes, it is said, had a vision of St. Cuthbert, comforting and assuring him he should be a great King.—Camden’s Britannia.
[48]. [You tun’d his harp, you trimm’d his bow.] He was skilful in the use of both.
[49]. [Your proud oaks lean’d] He provided himself with a naval power, which though the most natural defence of an island, had hitherto been totally neglected by the English.
[50]. [Your song-birds] He endeavoured to convey his morality to his subjects by apologues, parables, stories, and apothegms couch’d in poetry.
[51]. [While Liberty &c.] Amidst the necessary rigor of justice this great Prince preserved the most sacred regard to the liberty of his people.
[52]. [Lair] The couch or harbour of a wild beast. Milton.